Munster 'A's valiant second-half fightback was all in vain as relieved Yorkshire Carnegie eventually claimed victory to all but seal Pool Three's top spot

The visitors would have moved into first themselves with victory, with just one fixture remaining at home to London Scottish, but they were 31-10 down by half-time.

Andy Saull scored a first-half hat-trick of Carnegie tries all from lineout drives and, when he added his fourth in the 48th minute after Munster 'A' prop Brendan Quinlan was penalised, it looked like the English side would run away with things being 38-10 ahead.

However, Mick O'Driscoll's gutsy team did not concede again while down to 14 men and, instead, bizarrely, scored twice themselves via lock Lee Nicholas and full-back David Johnston. Both came from fine Duncan Williams passes, the scrum-half also dummying over in the first half.

Johnny Holland, who had kicked a conversion and penalty early on, improved the first of those second-half tries to see Munster 'A' trail 38-22 going into the final quarter.

When back up to a full complement, Williams then set up Cian Bohane to claim Munster 'A's bonus-point try in the 72nd minute, Holland converting to leave Carnegie relieved to grab a late try.